Eye Injuries CERT Presentation: Eye Injuries Time Line: 30 minutes Participant manual page reference for slide: 149 The following WSIB learning objectives have been met in this chapter: Eye Injuries– Elective Module Elective Module 14.1. Take measures to prevent eye injuries. 14.1.1. List two serious effects of eye injuries. 14.1.2. Describe three safety measures to prevent eye injuries. 14.2 Provide first aid for foreign objects in the eye. 14.2.1. Describe the general rules of the eye examination technique. 14.2.2. Describe the procedures and precautions for the removal of a loose particle from the eye. 14.2.3. List three situations when no attempt should be made to remove a foreign object from the eye. Eye Injuries 1

Instructor Notes Continued 14.2.4. Describe the first aid when a foreign object is adhered to or embedded in the eye. 14.3. Provide first aid for wounds in and around the eye. 14.3.1. Describe the first aid for wounds to the eye: • Wounds to the soft tissue around the eye I. Internal bleeding (contusion) II. External bleeding • Wound of the eyeball • Penetrating wound with an embedded object in the eyeball 14.3.2. Describe the first aid for an extruded eyeball. 14.3.3. Describe the first aid for a wound with an embedded object in the soft tissue near an eye. 14.4 Provide first aid for burns to the eye 14.4.1. Describe the first aid for burns to the eye resulting from : • Chemicals I. Liquid Eye Injuries

Eye Injuries Prevention Wear protective eye gear Have eye wash stations available Avoid rubbing eyes When injured both eyes must be covered Presentation: Eye Injuries Time Line: 30 minutes Participant manual page reference for slide: 149 WSIB requirements: 14.1. Take measures to prevent eye injuries. 14.1.1. List two serious effects of eye injuries. 14.1.2. Describe three safety measures to prevent eye injuries. Instructor Notes Eye injuries can range from minor conditions, such as small particles or foreign objects in the eye, to more severe injuries that may cause infection, blindness or compromised vision. Injuries to the eye may not be immediately obvious and may become severe by the time they are recognized. For this reason, when in doubt about the severity of the injury, medical attention should be recommended. It is best to protect oneself from such injuries through prevention. Instructors: Review prevention. If the workplace you are teaching in has many eye injuries or the potential of eye injuries, ask participants what measures are taken to reduce the risk or injury. What measures are in place in case of injury (i.e. eye wash station). Eye Injuries

Eye Injuries Common signs and symptoms of eye injuries include: Scratchy or burning sensation Watery eyes Redness Sensitivity to light, pain Impaired vision Eyes may spasm Pain Presentation: Eye Injuries Time Line: 30 minutes Participant manual page reference for slide: 150 WSIB requirements: n/a Instructor Notes Signs and Symptoms of Eye Injuries Scratchy or burning sensation Watery eyes Redness Sensitivity to light Pain Impaired vision Eyes may screw up in spasm Activity Ask class for personal examples. Eye Injuries

Examining the Eye Do not: Attempt to remove an embedded foreign object. Apply pressure to the eye. Touch, rub, or poke the eye ball. Remove contacts unless casualty is able to do so themselves. Presentation: Eye Injuries Time Line: 30 minutes Participant manual page reference for slide: 149 WSIB requirements: 14.2.1. Describe the general rules of the eye examination technique. Instructor Notes As all eye injuries are potentially serious, your actions as a first aider can significantly improve the outcome of the injury with correct treatment. However, before providing aid, a first aider should be aware of a few simple rules (see slide). Examining The Upper Eye Lid A technique used to assist in examining the upper eye lid is to grasp the lashes of the upper lid. Place a cotton tipped swab across the upper lid and roll the lid upward over the stick or the swab examining it. If you can see the object, remove it with a moistened sterile gauze or clean cloth and flush it out. Examining The Lower Eye Lid Pull lower eye lid down. If you see the object, flush it out gently with warm water or wet sterile gauze. All examinations should be visual, observing the visible structrures of the eye and its’ movements Eye Injuries

Eye Laceration - Treatment ESM Reassure the casualty and instruct them not to touch or rub their eyes. Instruct casualty to close both eyes. Bandage both eyes. Seek medical attention. Presentation: Eye Injuries Time Line: 30 minutes Participant manual page reference for slide: 150 WSIB requirements: 14.3. Provide first aid for wounds in and around the eye. 14.3.1. Describe the first aid for wounds to the eye: II. External bleeding • Wound of the eyeball Instructor Notes Eye Laceration Treatment ESM. Make sure the scene is safe before entering. Reassure the casualty and instruct them not to touch or rub their eyes. Instruct casualty to close both eyes. Bandage both eyes. Seek medical attention. Eye Injuries

Blow to the Eye - Treatment ESM Apply an ice pack for about fifteen minutes. Seek medical attention, if necessary. Take spinal percautions, if necessary. Presentation: Eye Injuries Time Line: 30 minutes Participant manual page reference for slide: 150 WSIB requirements: 14.3.1. Describe the first aid for wounds to the eye: • Wounds to the soft tissue around the eye. I. Internal bleeding (contusion). Instructor Notes The degree of injury to the eye can vary with trauma such as a blow to it. You may not be dealing with just an injury here but a head, neck and/or spinal injury as well. Medical attention should be called if a head, neck or spinal injury is suspected and spinal precautions should be taken. Also call 911/EMS if the casualty has reduced vision, experiences pain or discolouration around the eye. Eye Injuries

Instructor Notes Continued Treatment for Blow to the Eye Always begin with ESM. Make sure the scene is safe before entering. Apply an ice pack for about fifteen minutes. Seek medical attention, if necessary. Take spinal precautions, if necessary. Eye Injuries

Foreign Particle - Treatment The casualty should lift their upper eye lid down over lower eye lid. Use the lashes of the lower eye lid to gently remove the object. Blinking may assist in this process. If this does not work Casualty should be instructed to gently rinse their eyes. Remove object by using a sterile gauze or clean cloth. Presentation: Eye Injuries Time Line: 30 minutes Participant manual page reference for slide: 151 WSIB requirements: 14.2 Provide first aid for foreign objects in the eye. 14.2.3. List three situations when no attempt should be made to remove a foreign object from the eye. 14.2.4. Describe the first aid when a foreign object is adhered to or embedded in the eye. Instructor Notes Foreign objects in the eye may include an eye lash, dust or small particles. Altough these are irritating, rarely do they cause damage and minor first aid can be provided. There are several techniques that can be used to effectively remove such irritants. Instruct the patient to lift their upper eye lid down over lower eye lid. Use the lashes of the lower eye lid to gently remove the object. Eye Injuries

Instructor Notes Continued Blinking may assist in this process. If this does not work, the patient should be instructed to gently rinse their eyes while keeping their eye open and move it back and forth while rinsing with warm water. If this does not work, we may remove the object by using a sterile gauze or clean cloth. If this still does not work you may need to examine the eye. If you are unable to remove the foreign particle or it is unsafe for you to do so (it si embeded embeded, adhered to, or further damage may be caused such as glass). Then have the casualty close their bad eye and bandage it lightly. Bandage only one eye unless it is a serious eye injury or both eyes are damaged. Eye Injuries

Penetrating Injuries - Treatment Do not to touch or rub their eyes Stabilize their head. Do not attempt to remove the object. Place a dressing around the object. Secure object by using a cup or cone. Cover both eyes to prevent movement. Presentation: Eye Injuries Time Line: 30 minutes Participant manual page reference for slide: 151 WSIB requirements: 14.3.1. Describe the first aid for wounds to the eye: II. External bleeding • Penetrating wound with an embedded object in the eyeball. 14.3.3. Describe the first aid for a wound with an embedded object in the soft tissue near an eye. Instructor Notes Penetrating eye injuries are severe injuries to the eye and can be caused by such things as a nail or branch. These type of injuries need immediate medical attention. Eye Injuries

Extruded Eye Ball - Treatment ESM Lay the casualty on their back. Do not attempt to put eye back into the socket. Moisten sterile dressing with sterile water and place it loosely over extruded eye. Place a cone over eye to protect it. Cover other eye with dressing. Place bandage over both eyes. Presentation: Eye Injuries Time Line: 30 minutes Participant manual page reference for slide: 152 WSIB requirements: 14.3.2. Describe the first aid for an extruded eyeball. Instructor Notes Extruded Eye Ball A blow to the head or to the eye may knock the eye out of its’ socket. This injury needs immediate medical attention. Treatment for Extruded Eye Ball Always begin with the steps of ESM. Make sure the scene is safe before entering. Lay the patient on their back. Do not attempt to put eye back into the socket. Moisten sterile dressing with Saline solution or sterile water and place it loosely over extruded eye. Place a cone over eye to protect it. Cover other with dressing. Bandage over both eyes. Eye Injuries

Particles or Chemicals in The Eye Reassure the casualty. Follow MSDS details. Flush with water. Do not contaminate unaffected areas. Cover and bandage both eyes. Presentation: Eye Injuries Time Line: 30 minutes Participant manual page reference for slide: 152 WSIB requirements: 14.4 Provide first aid for burns to the eye 14.4.1. Describe the first aid for burns to the eye resulting from: • Chemicals I. Liquid Instructor Notes A chemical burn to the eye is a high’ risk injury possibly affecting vision permanently. It is important that first aid is immediately provided as it may be the positive actions of the first aider that saves the vision. Alkali solutions cause greater damage to the eye than acids because they penetrate deeper and continue to burn longer. Some household Alkali solutions that may cause this include drain cleaners, ammonia, cleaning agents, and battery acids. Reasure the casualty and instruct them not to touch or rub their eyes. If the chemical is a liquid, quickly try to absorb with a sterile dressing (while wearing protective gloves) any remaining liquid from around the eye. If the chemical is powder, try to brush any of the remaining powder from around the eye and off the face. Use your fingers to keep the eye open as wide as possible. Eye Injuries

Instructor Notes Continued Flush with water for fifteen minutes immediately, being careful not to contaminate unaffected areas. Always lean the bad eye away from the good eye when flushing. Seek immediate medical attention. Continue to rinse affected areas until 911/EMS arrives. For chemicals, follow labels and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for detailed instructions. Cover both eyes to prevent movement. Eye Injuries

Flash Burn to Eye - Treatment Have casualty rest on their back and close eyes. Irrigate eye cavity with cool sterile water for fifteen minutes. Place damp, cool dressing over both eyes. Seek medical attention. Presentation: Eye Injuries Time Line: 30 minutes Participant manual page reference for slide: 153 WSIB requirements: 14.4 Provide first aid for burns to the eye Instructor Notes A flash burn or arc to the eye occurs from prolonged UV exposure or a sudden burst of light. The signs and symptoms (above) are not always immediately obvious. First aid treatment should be provided once the mechanism of injury suggests this type of injury has occurred. The treatment should be immediate and include the following steps: Eye Injuries

Instructor Notes Continued Reassure the casualty and instruct them not to touch or rub their eyes. Have casualty rest on their back, if their condition permits. The casualty should close eyes. Irrigate eye cavity with cool, sterile water. Place a damp dressing over both eyes. Cover both eyes to prevent movement, if the casualty permits. Provide continuous reassurance to the casualty. Eye Injuries